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George P. Bush, left, takes the oath of office as Texas' 28th land commissioner Friday from U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater of Dallas, for whom he was a law clerk. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, second from left, looks on as George P. Bush's wife, Amanda Williams, holds a Bible.

George P. Bush took office as state land commissioner in a low-key ceremony at the Texas Capitol on Friday.

As his father, likely GOP presidential contender Jeb Bush, looked on, the younger Bush said he wants “to practice the politics of aspiration,” which he defined as offering hope and unity, not fear and division.

Last November, he crushed former El Paso Mayor John Cook, a Democrat, to win the office, which manages Texas’ vast land holdings and oversees coastline protection and veterans’ programs.

State Supreme Court justice Don Willett, who served as master of ceremonies, said that while the younger Bush descends from “one of the most revered families in American history,” he is “the only Bush to have won his first election.”

His late great grandfather, Connecticut banker and former U.S. Sen. Prescott Bush, lost in his first bid for the Senate in 1950. Prescott Bush’s son, former President George H.W. Bush, likewise lost his debut race for the Senate against Texas Democratic incumbent Ralph Yarborough in 1964.

Former President George W. Bush, the uncle of the new land commissioner, lost a maiden political race, for Congress, in 1978. And Jeb Bush lost his initial bid for Florida governor in 1994, though he won two terms after that, Willett noted.

George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, hoped to attend their grandson’s swearing in, Willett said. The elder Bushes, though, decided to remain in Houston and watch the ceremony via the streaming internet video, said aides to the new land commissioner.

In remarks to more than 100 guests in the Senate chamber, he spoke briefly of his hopes to improve returns on state mineral and land leases, which benefit public school students. He also vowed to protect natural resources, do right by military veterans and be a good custodian of the Alamo.

“Texas isn’t just some random place on the map that you can point your finger to,” he said. “It’s an idea — that you’re not defined by race or by creed, but rather by what we believe in, … that people can go as far and as fast as their dreams can take them, … that government should work for us, not against us.”

Bush, whose mother Columba was originally from Mexico, spoke several sentences in Spanish. He cited Texas heroes such as Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin but took pains to mention ones “no less important,” such as José Antonio Navarro, a Tejano who served as a leader in the Texas Revolution.

Bush, 38, is a lawyer, Naval Reserve officer and real estate investor. He and his wife Amanda Williams, also a lawyer, live in Fort Worth with their 1 year old son, Prescott. They are expecting a second child in April.

Neither George P. Bush nor Jeb Bush spoke with reporters. On Wednesday, aides to the younger Bush said no news media representatives would be allowed to attend his swearing in. That changed when George H.W. Bush, recently hospitalized, cancelled.

George P. Bush replaces three-term Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, also a Republican.

Patterson, who lost a primary race for lieutenant governor last year, said he would not have yielded the office had he not expected some capable person would step up and run for it.

Two years ago, though, Patterson said Bush visited him. The two met for several hours, and Bush showed a keen interest in the office and its workings, Patterson said.

George P. Bush spoke in Washington on Tuesday to mark the 69th anniversary of V-J Day.

WASHINGTON – George Prescott Bush – grandson and nephew of presidents, and statewide candidate in Texas — spoke Tuesday at the National World War II Memorial, at a ceremony marking the 69th anniversary of V-J Day, when the war ended in the Pacific.

Tuesday also marked 70 years since Bush’s grandfather, George H.W. Bush, was shot down near Chichijima, a small island about 600 miles from mainland Japan.

The naval aviator and future president bailed out of his Grumman TBF Avenger bomber, and waited on a life raft for four hours before being rescued. One of his crew members died during the attack.

His grandson – the GOP nominee for land commissioner — praised the heroism of his grandfather and other veterans. Standing in front of the 100-person crowd on a hot, cloudless morning, he referred to them as part of the “greatest generation.”

“Your example, your selflessness, your undying love of country that led you to the valley of war and destruction, will remain an inspiration,” George P. Bush said.

Bush is a lawyer, investor, and Naval Reserve Officer. He spent eight months in Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He noted that the aircraft carrier named for his grandfather is in the Middle East, carrying out airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Bush said he was proud of the ship’s role.

“The USS George H.W. Bush is today in an area of hostilities and is saving the lives of innocent families,” he said. “Her crew continues to draw upon the inspiration of her ship’s namesake.”

The eldest Bush, who is 90, did not attend the ceremony. After the speech, George P. Bush said his grandfather is in good health, and “staying busy and giving his grandkids a hard time.”

Bush returned to Texas shortly after the ceremony to resume his campaign.

A victory would prolong the Bush dynasty. George P. is the son of Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, and nephew of George W. Bush, a Texas governor and the 43d president.

“It’s coming along,” Bush said of the campaign against Democratic nominee John Cook, the former mayor of El Paso. “We’re working hard but this is a great break from the trail, to honor our country’s greatest generation and to honor our veterans.”

And what does his grandfather think of his first push into politics?

“He’s proud. I think he’s happy that some of us have chosen public service,” Bush said. “It’s really just a part of his legacy that folks from his own family have decided to pursue serving our country.”

The ceremony featured the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band, and a presentation of memorial wreaths to honor those who were killed in action.

Former President George H.W. Bush, center, and former Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens pose with former first lady Barbara Bush before an NCAA college baseball game at Minute Maid Park in Houston on March 1. The University of Houston Cougars lost 3-2 to the University of Texas Longhorns.

WASHINGTON — The Bush dynasty may make another run for the White House.

Matriarch Barbara Bush — first lady to one president and mother of a second – sounds like she’s warming to the idea of seeing another son, Jeb Bush, seek the White House, after long resisting.

“Maybe Jeb’s given all he should give, because he’s worked awfully hard for a long time,” she told FOX & Friends in an interview from Houston. “But he is the best qualified person in the country, there’s no question about it. Just put me down as saying that.”

Bush called it hard to endure criticism of the presidents in her life, George H.W. Bush and their son. George W. Bush.

“I’m very proud of George W. I think he did what he thought was right, whether it was politically astute or not. I’m more proud of my husband, because he did what he knew was right. And he knew he would lose the election,” she said.

As for Jeb Bush –a former Florida governor and father of the Texas Republicans’ newly-minted nominee for land commissioner, George P. Bush — Barbara Bush sounded resigned or even a bit enthusiastic to the possibility he’ll run for president in 2016.

“I say in this country, which is such a great country, there are more than three families. Then I read that ‘The Bully Pulpit’ by Doris Kearns Goodwin,” she said. “She points out that in 1700, there were only three families. So maybe it’s OK. It just seems to me ridiculous in a country this size that we didn’t have other families. I mean we’ve got great governors…other people. I just don’t understand it. And maybe Jeb’s given all he should give, because he’s worked awfully hard for a long time. But he is the best qualified person in the country, there’s no question about it.”

Click here for the video, and scroll to the 3:50 mark for her take on a Jeb Bush campaign.

George P. Bush, right, stands with his uncle, former President George W. Bush

WASHINGTON —Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., is resigning today after pleading guilty to cocaine possession, and not all of his campaign donors have buyer’s remorse — including a political action committee led by George P. Bush, a GOP candidate for Texas land commissioner.

Bush — the nephew and grandson of presidents — co-chaired Maverick PAC at the time it donated $2,500 to the Radel campaign a week before Election Day in 2012. He stepped down after announcing his bid for land commissioner last Nov. 19, according to Jay Zeidman, who co-chaired the group with Bush and continues to lead it.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing to see what’s taken place with Trey as of today, but back then, we were really happy to support the next generation of rising leaders in the party,” said Zeidman.

He added that the group wanted to help Radel win his House seat, does not regret the donation and will not ask for a refund.

Bush and Zeidman took over Maverick PAC in 2009 and expanded it nationally to include 20 chapters, eight in Florida and four in Texas, with the goal of electing more young conservatives.

Bush grew up in Florida, where his father, Jeb Bush, served as governor.

Radel pleaded guilty in November after he purchased cocaine from a federal agent in Washington. He spent a month in a rehabilitation clinic before returning to Congress earlier this month. In a resignation letter to House Speaker John Boehner today, Radel said that he couldn’t “fully and effectively serve” in the House and will resign at the end of the day.

Texas Land Commission candidate George P. Bush said Wednesday he supports controversial efforts by federal lawmakers to defund the Affordable Care Act.

“It’s a monstrosity of a law,” he said. “In terms of defunding it, that would be one way to reduce and mitigate the impact it’s going to have on practicing physicians and hospitals here in Texas.”

Bush was in Addison to deliver the keynote address at the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce luncheon celebration the George Herbert Walker Bush Elementary School.

Before his speech, the Fort Worth Republican told me that he hoped Congress would be successful in stopping the implementation of the new health care law, which is commonly known as Obamacare.

Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, want Congress to approve a continuing resolution that funds government operations, but does not leave money for the Affordable Care Act. Such legislation would be vetoed by President Barack Obama, setting up a showdown that could result in a government shutdown.

Bush, the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, said he backed Cruz’s efforts.

“I agree with this effort to defund it, or keep Texas out of the program unless we can modify it to a Texas-specific solution,” he said.

Bush is running unopposed for the Republican nomination for Texas land commissioner. He’s considered one of the party’s rising stars and is expected to cruise in next year’s election.

“We’re hearing only positive things,” Bush said. “We’re hearing that people are ready for the next generation to step forward and that’s really been my strongest message on the trail. It’s time for new leaders in Austin. For the office I’m seeking, a lot of people are excited about it.”

Bush said he would not endorse candidates in the numerous other GOP races up and down the ballot, including the Republican race for governor between Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and former Texas Republican Party Chairman Tom Pauken.

“I’ve got to focus on my race,” he said. “We’ve been asked by so many, and it’s flattering. The registered voters of this party are going to have some great choices.’

Bush says he doesn’t expect a major primary challenge, but is still running like he’s behind.

“Right now we’re working hard,” he said. “We’re working as if we do have an opponent and we’re 20 points down.”

Former U.S. President George W. Bush speaks during a immigration naturalization ceremony held at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on July 10, 2013 in University Park, Texas.

George W. Bush has been almost zealous in avoiding the daily political scrum in his post-White House life, but the former president has nonetheless provided a financial boost in recent years to a small group of Republicans vying for federal office.

The select six to earn a Bush contribution since he returned to Texas?

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who received $5,000 last year. Former Arizona Rep. Ben Quayle, who received $2,500 last year and $1,000 in 2010. Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, who received $2,400 in 2010. Texas Rep. Roger Williams, who received $1,000 in 2011. Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who received $1,000 last year. And Oklahoma Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who received $1,000 last year.

That’s on top of the four Texas Republicans Bush has supported in state races of late: George P. Bush, his nephew and state land commissioner candidate; Dallas Rep. Dan Branch, who’s running for state attorney general; former state Sen. David Sibley of Waco; and Gov. Rick Perry. That bunch was highlighted earlier this week by my colleague Bob Garrett.

A Bush spokesman declined to discuss the donations in detail, but said that those candidates approached the former president and asked for a campaign contribution. And the connection to Bush is fairly obvious in some instances.

McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, was U.S. labor secretary under Bush. Williams was a prominent fundraiser for Bush’s gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. Quayle is the son of former Vice President Dan Quayle, who served under President George H.W. Bush.

That last link could provide an intriguing blueprint, as another offspring of a Bush-connected vice president just announced this week her U.S. Senate campaign in Wyoming against an incumbent Republican. That’s Liz Cheney, daughter of Dick Cheney.

So it will be interesting to see if the Bush-Cheney alliance emerges once more.

Click here to see the Federal Election Commission records on Bush’s recent donations — and those from every other George Bush in the country.

Road builders in North Carolina will hear from Texas Land Commissioner candidate George P. Bush next month. Bush is among featured speakers listed for the Carolinas AGC conference, along with former Dallas Cowboy (and Dancing With the Stars) great Emmitt Smith. Bush is the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and nephew of ex-president George W. Bush. He’s seeking the Republican nomination for land commissioner in Texas next year, his first political race.

So far in his fledgling campaign, the younger Bush has spent time raising money in Texas and other states and making appearances before receptive audiences. Bush is turning down interviews with the media, as he did last week in Waco where he appeared before a Republican group. Aides are steering the 37-year-old political namesake away from questions from reporters while he prepares his campaign. In its announcement that Bush will speak in North Carolina, the highway lobby group says the summit “will feature nationally recognized speakers in the areas of leadership, economics, entrepreneurial enterprises, and strategic vision.”

“If George P. wants to talk to his old uncle and ask for advice, I’m actively advising,” Bush said. “I’ve contributed to his campaign, Laura and I have. Beyond that, it depends on what he wants me to do.”

Jerry Patterson, the current land commissioner, is running next year in the GOP primary for lieutenant governor. Incumbent David Dewhurst and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples are candidates in that primary.

So to this point, George P. Bush is the clear favorite to replace Patterson, though other candidates could emerge.

George P. Bush, nephew and grandson of presidents, is heading to Washington.

Bush, a contender for Texas Land Commissioner, will hold a fund-raiser Thursday with help from freshman U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, a longtime Bush family friend.

“The next, and third, generation in the Bush political dynasty is making its Washington debut, a first stop in what many believe could eventually lead to a House, Senate and even presidential bid by George P. Bush,” reports the Washington Examiner’s estimable Paul Bedard, adding that Williams believes Bush could go all the way.

“You never know, we’ve had a few Bushes that have been president, so there’s no reason to think any different I guess,” Williams told the Examiner.

Williams is rounding up donors for a breakfast fund-raiser with ticket prices $100 to $1,000. He’s an old hand at helping the Bushes fill their campaign coffers.He served as state finance chairman for George W. Bush’s two runs for governor. When Bush ran for president in 2000, he was one of the “Pioneeers” — bundlers who brought at least $100,000 into the campaign. In the 2004 reelection effort, Williams earned the “Ranger” designation for raising more than $200,000.